Photographs: Getty Images
Double world champion and winner of the inaugural Indian Grand Prix, Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull was full of praise for the newly-built Buddh International Circuit and lauded the organisers for coming up with the spanking track in such a short time.
"It's great to see what the people did here with the arena in such a short amount of time. There were little bit (hiccups) here and there but it is common in a first race. I am sure next year everything will be perfect," the German said.
"The circuit is quite challenging. It is easy to commit mistake here. I enjoyed the circuit. (It has) some great high speed corners," he added.
'India is a fantastic country'
Image: Red Bull Racing celebrates in the paddock after winning the Indian Formula One Grand PrixPhotographs: Getty Images
He also said that he enjoyed India's hospitality during his stay in the country."India is a fantastic country. In our life we measure happiness by what we have achieved but it is not the case here. People are always happy, very friendly and co-operative," Vettel observed.
"It was great to be here and I'm looking forward to coming back here next year," he added.
Vettel also said that even though Red Bull has already claimed the drivers' as well as constructor's championship with two races to go in the season, they did not lack motivation going into the race.
"The car is fantastic, the team is doing well. The guys are always pushing very hard in the garage all the time. We have achieved a lot this season but we are hungry for more," he said.
'This is a fantastic win'
Image: Sebastian Vettel celebrates after winning the Indian Grand PrixPhotographs: Getty Images
Along with Vettel, the other two podium finishers -- McLaren Mercedes' Jenson Button and Ferrari's Fernando Alonso -- used the opportunity to pay tributes to MotoGP racer Marco Simoncelli and IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon -- both died recently in two horrific crashes.
"This is a fantastic win. I am proud to be the first winner (of Indian GP) but it comes with mixed emotions. Looking back at the last weekend, we lost two very good friends. The last couple of days have been hard time for the fans of motorsports," Vettel said.
"On one hand I'm happy but on the other hand, it is an opportunity to pay respect to them (Wheldon and Simoncelli). Our condolences are with their families," an emotional Vettel added.
'Dedicate this first Indian GP to Dan and Marco'
Image: Scuderia Toro Rosso team pay their respects to Italian Moto GP rider Marco SimoncelliPhotographs: Getty Images
Button, who came second after starting on the fourth position, was satisfied with his result but just like Vettel, dedicated his podium finish to the departed racers.
"The team did a perfect job today. We have made up for our disastrous qualifying session yesterday. We should dedicate this first Indian GP to Dan and Marco. The last week has been very sad for motorsports," the British driver said.
Third-placed Alonso also remembered Wheldon and Simoncelli after his podium finish.
"I'm happy to be on the podium in the first race in India, but as Sebastian (Vettel) and Jenson (Button) said it was mixed feeling today. We lost two great racers and we all should pray for them today. We will always remember those fantastic drivers," the Spaniard said.
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